041139 U.S. Meat Production Exceeds Expectations

Washington, DC - Meat production estimates for the United States were boosted for 2004 and 2005 are raised, according to the latest estimates from the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

In making the revisions, the USDA said actual slaughter in the third quarter was larger than initially expected and this should continue through the fourth quarter of 2004. Projected meat production in 2005 is raised 130 million pounds as higher beef production more than offsets lower pork production.

Projected beef production is raised as feedlot marketings are expected to be higher and cattle weights heavier. Pork production for 2005 is lowered as the recent announcement of anti-dumping duties on Canadian hogs is expected to lead to some shifting from imports of slaughter hogs to imports of pork. Poultry production is changed fractionally.

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